Slam
Directed by Marc Levin
Raymond (Saul Williams) is a young Black performance poet living in Washington, D.C. who is arrested and imprisoned for a petty marijuana charge. Danger lurks around every corner, but nothing can stop him from establishing his identity, strength, and voice. In jail, Raymond meets a prison gang leader (Bonz Malone) and a writing teacher (Sonja Sohn) who inspires him to use the power of creative expression to fight for his freedom and avoid becoming another victim of the racist criminal justice system. Featuring sublime poetry and heart-wrenching realism, Slam is a testament to the importance and impact of artistic expression. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic) at the Sundance Film Festival and the Caméra d'Or (Best First Feature) at the Cannes Film Festival.
Slam has been digitally restored from the 35mm interpositive, and a new DCP created in collaboration between Sundance Institute, the Academy Film Archive, the UCLA Film & Television Archive, and Lionsgate.
Reviews
"Slam is poetry in vibrant motion. Powerful performances from genuine talents."
Marc Levin's stirring pop fable Slam elevates rhythmically charged, fervently incantatory street poetry into a redemptive sport. Saul Williams, the charismatic young hero of Slam, is the Washington inner-city equivalent of working-class screen heroes like Tony Manero or Rocky Balboa."
"Marc Levin's Slam is a landmark film that defies easy categorization. This emotionally powerful and technically innovative film deserves to be seen on the big screen."
